I Can Do All Things Through Christ . . .

Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13 is the favorite verse of many athletes, and usually it's used incorrectly. In other words, it is used as a mantra to push the athlete to endure hard training so that he or she can win.

However, the meaning of "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" is not "with God's help, I can win any contest or pass any exam." It's meaning, in context, is very simple: in whatever circumstance I may find myself (i.e., win or lose), by God's grace I can be content. Why? Because Christ is the source of my strength. Anything I succeed at is because He strengthened me. Any hardship I may endure is the result of the strength He has provided. Notice who gets the credit (again!) for winning the big event or enduring incredible hardship: Jesus not Paul!

This understanding seems obvious by Paul's use of contrasts to lead up to the "I can do all things . . ." statement: need and plenty, well fed and hungry, in plenty and in want. He doesn't present one condition as better than it's opposite because either circumstance requires strength, which is provided by Jesus.

The assistant general manager of a particular MLB team told me this story: He was scouting a pitcher that his team was interested in acquiring, but had great reservations about the pitcher's commitment to winning because of his well publicized faith in Jesus. When I asked for clarification, the scout told me that it appears that this pitcher is so dedicated to his faith that when he loses it doesn't bother him.

In fact, the scout told me that he made a formal complaint to the head of "Baseball Chapel" (most MLB teams have a Christian chaplain that, to some degree, serves as a pastor to the Christian players on the team) about this particular pitcher's "misunderstanding of the Christian faith." "Being a Christian doesn't have to mean that you don't care if you win or lose," he added with emphasis. The irony of this statement is that this scout wasn't a Christian, but he had great conviction about what the Christian life should or shouldn't be.

A couple of years later, I had the opportunity to revisit this story with the pitcher in question. His response was interesting: "I don't know who that guy is, but my record should speak for itself in terms of whether I have a drive to win. That should be more important than whether I kick over trash cans, break water coolers or am a mess in the locker room after a loss or bad outing."

The pitcher was right: His record does speak for itself. He admits that he isn't a theologian, but he was biblically accurate when he added, "I don't enjoy losing because I play to win, but life is bigger than the loss of a baseball game." And in this respect, he had learned to "do everything through Him who gives [him] strength."

Shapes: Cross

There, but for the grace of God . . ."

Philippians 3:4b-6 NIV

If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

Here's that list enumerated.
1. Circumcised on the eight day (as required by the law)
2. Of the people of Israel (God's chosen people);
3. Of the tribe of Benjamin (the tribe of Saul, Israel's first king);
4. A pharisee (very strict and accurate in religious observance);
5. Persecuted the church with great zeal (no distance was too far to travel to harm Christians);
6. Blameless regarding observance of the law.

Some might call that Paul's pre-conversion resume - the list of accomplishments upon which he intended to receive God's approval. And from Paul's pre-conversion perspective, it was a very impressive list. But that was pre-conversion.

Would you look at Paul's "resume" and immediately think, "there, but for the grace of God, go I"? Probably not. But that was exactly Paul's post-conversion appraisal! Here's how Paul said it (3:7-9):

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

If Paul was coming to speak at your church next month, what would the marketing campaign look like? Would there be a heavier emphasis on Paul's pre-conversion resume, or his post-conversion assessment of the futility of putting confidence in the flesh.

Or how about this: A famous professional athlete who is a Christian is coming to speak to the men's group at your church next month. What would the marketing campaign look like? From that material (flyers- posters- banners- advertisements) would you get the impression that Christianity is the right choice because a) Christ is glorious above all others, or b) because a certain high-profile athlete believes in Jesus?

If the answer is b, isn't that another form of putting confidence in the flesh? In the end, is Christ more glorious because a man that can catch, kick, or hit a ball better than most other men, believes in him? If not, then we should be careful to not appear to market Jesus that way.

Jesus is glorious because he is willing and able to save any who come to him in faith, whether they be high-profile or no profile. All must come humbly, depending only in the mercy of Christ for salvation.

Shapes: Star

Can you see the star?

Can you see the star?

Mobile Phones and Driving

In Israel, it is illegal to talk on a mobile phone while driving, which is to say: you can't hold the phone up to your ear to talk. You can use a speaker or headset while driving.

I wonder if this police officer is pushing the limits of that law by talking while he is "driving."

I Like Insect Photos

One of my favorite photography subjects is insects, which is why I miss my old Nikon 995 terribly. With a multiplier and it's macro setting, it could really get up close and personal with the bugs.

This is is a pretty good closeup of a bee, but my old 995 could have done SO MUCH better. Anyway, enjoy a beautiful purple flower being harvested by a nice bee.

Shabbat Shalom

Backgammon: One Way to Pass the Time

Motivation to Work Towards Unity

Philippians 2:12-13 NIV

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

In the previous section, Paul encouraged - even instructed - the Philippian community to be unified. His words: easy to understand, harder to do.

This section is a followup, or final push to encourage the Philippians to find unity among themselves. Notice how Paul attempts to persuade them to follow through - even if the task seems too difficult or uninteresting: (my paraphrase) "In the past, you followed my instruction while I was with you. Now, in my absence, it's all the more important for you to do so. And, if you think it's too hard - or you just don't want to - remember this: It is God who is working in you, giving you the desire to do and empowering you to do what He desires."

Paul's letter to the Colossians had a similar phrase: (1:29 - emphasis added) "To this end, I labor, struggling with all HIS energy, which so powerfully works in me."

So, once again, we can say that we work, and God gets the credit. Why? Because He works in us to give us the desire to work, and He gives us the energy to work. Why be motivated to work towards unity? Because that is God working in us!

Want to Sample This?

Do You Tweet?

Beware, this video has much to say.

The Clear Parts are Difficult

Philippians 2:1-5 NIV

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

An elderly preacher once told me, "Craig, it's not the 'hard to understand' parts of the Bible that give me trouble, it's the clear, 'easy to understand,' parts that give me the most trouble." And, I don't think he is alone in that.

In this passage, Paul gives us an if/then appeal, and then some instruction. Apparently, he had become aware of some division in the Philippian community, so he offered his thoughts on what they need to do to fix the problem.

The Appeal

IF you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,
IF any comfort from his love,
IF any fellowship with the Spirit,
IF any tenderness and compassion,

Now, who - that is born again - doesn't have some of that? Before you object, notice that Paul quantifies those things with "any." He's not saying those who have obtained complete fullness of encouragement, comfort, fellowship or compassion. He's speaking to those who have ANY, of any of those things. And, if you do: Here comes the THEN.

THEN make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

There it is: the clear but hard part. Be like-minded? Have the same love? Be one in spirit and purpose? "But we're different people!" we might object. We have different likes and dislikes, different tastes, different backgrounds, different cultures. Lots of differences. On and on we go, with our objections to Paul's "then." How can we blend together in unity when we're so different?

Paul's Instruction

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

The only reason to comment on that is to find a loophole.

The Test

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

How did you do?

Holocaust Remembrance Day 2009: An Unfitting Name

Recently we were walking down the Avenue of the Righteous Among Nations at the Yad VeShem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem, when a particular sign caught my eye. The name Charles Coward screamed for my attention. If there ever was a man mis-named, Charles Coward has to be that man. The irony of his name is clear, particularly if you know his story.

Coward, a British soldier during WWII, was captured in 1940 near Calais, France. That was his introduction into the inner workings of the Nazi war efforts, and also the opportunity to be a man of courage when and where there were far too few. He is credited with saving as many as 400 Jews, which is amazing. But, the ways in which he undermined the Nazi efforts were brilliant.

I would encourage you to read this article about his heroics.

Here's to men of courage, like Charles Coward, who helped rescue Jews during the holocaust.

And the 6 million Jews who were killed shouldn't be forgotten either.

Shapes: Butterfly

What Would be a Fair Trial?

"We'd like to express our condolences to all the victims of this terrible accident -- and that's what it was, it was a terrible accident," Longwith said outside court.

Longwith is Randall T. Longwith, the defense attorney for Andrew Gallo of San Gabriel, California.

Here's the background of the statement by attorney Longwith: Early on the morning of April 9, 2009, Nick Adenhart, Henry Pearson, and Jon Wilhite were riding in the car with Courtney Stewart when they were broadsided by a vehicle driven by Andrew Gallo, which allegedly ran a red light. Stewart, Pearson and Adenhart were killed, and Wilhite is hospitalized in serious condition. Gallo fled from the scene of the wreck on foot before eventually being apprehended by police.

Here are some important (to me) details: The reports are that Gallo's blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit. He had previously pled guilty to drunken driving in 2006, but didn't finish the conditions of his sentencing in that case. Additionally, he was still on probation from his 2006 case at the time of this wreck. He was also driving on a suspended license. In 2007 Gallo was convicted of marijuana possession, which may or may not have any bearing on this particular incident.

Here's my question: Was this just an accident, "a terrible accident," as attorney Longwith suggests? I have not read any reports suggesting that Gallo intended to kill, or even harm anyone when he got behind the wheel of his mini-van. And since he apparently had no intention of harming anyone, does that make this simply a "terrible accident?"

I think this case would have been a good one for the Old Testament cities of refuge (Joshua 20), which were set up to be a "safe haven" for those who had accidentally killed someone else. By "safe haven" I mean a place where they can get a fair trial, and not just receive the wrath of their victim's family.

If I were among the elders in a city of refuge and Mr. Gallo stumbled into town asking for asylum, here's what I would rule: Guilty. Of course, that verdict assumes the facts are similar to what has been reported in the press.

I'm not sure why the defense attorney believes his client can't get a fair trial in Orange County. Perhaps it's because he killed a promising young professional baseball player from the local team. However, given what I have seen regarding the "facts," what would the attorney actually argue to mitigate the actions of his client?

Honestly, IF 1) Gallo was driving with a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit, and 2) he ran a red light and broadsided at least one other vehicle, and 3) he killed three people, and 4) he was driving on a suspended license from a previous drunk driving conviction, where does one go with that?

It may have been an "accident," as in "he didn't intend to kill anyone." But driving while intoxicated (particularly THREE times the legal limit) pretty much removes the "it was a terrible accident" plea. AND that there was a previous drunk driving conviction removes any hesitation about removing the "it was an accident" excuse. Period.

If I'm the judge or on the jury and the facts are as have been reported, here's my verdict: GUILTY!

After that, here's the question: What should the sentence be? Answer: The max! Apparently, the most he can get is 55 years. But is the death penalty justified in a case like this?

Graffiti: Can You Say This?

Shabbat Shalom

ZZ Topp Meets Men in Black

Confidence and Joy in Prayer

Philippians 1:3-11 NIV

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

This short passage answers at least two questions:

1. Why does Paul pray with confidence and joy for the saints at Philippi?

Because "HE who began a good work in [them] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

In other words, when God starts something, he finishes it.

2. For what does Paul pray?

That [their] love may abound more and more in
A. knowledge, and
B. depth of insight.

So that [they] may:
1. be able to discern what is best, and
2. be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, and
3. be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-

To the glory and praise of God.

Paul's prayer for the saints at Philippi has one goal in mind: the glory and praise to God.

One Hour to Go

About an hour before the sacrifice, this community
elder is waiting anxiously, knife in hand.

Two Hours to Go

Last week at the Samaritan Passover, the sheep were escorted in about two hours before the sacrifice.

Signs of Passover

There's kosher, then there's kosher for Passover. Kosher for Passover indicates that the rules governing the absence of leven (i.e. yeast) have been closely followed.

If a food/drink vendor in Israel wants any business at all during Passover, he must display some type of signage that indicates proper observance of the rules on any machines that dispense food or drinks. It's helpful if said products also have some type of clear labeling regarding Passover observance.

Usually signs appear more official than the one above, which seems to have been created on a home computer. It lacks any official stamps or names of rabbinic authorities, but seems to have done the trick because I saw several patrons look at it before purchasing items from the machine in the picture below. You can see the kosher sign on the top right hand corner of the machine.

A Great Truth, A Great Hope

No Bread During Passover . . .

. . . except in the non-Jewish areas. This boy is out early making his bread delivery before the Old City wakes up.

Shabbat Shalom

Colors: Red

This pomegranate was on display at the market. You can see that it is filled with lots of seeds, which are each inside a red colored juice sack.

Christ Our Passover Lamb

John 19:14-16 NIV

It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour. "Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!" "Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered. Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.

1 Corinthians 5:7 NIV

For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

This Should Be Every Believer's Prayer

Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Notice that Paul mentions two concerns: fear of man and content of the message. I think both of these issues are heavy weights on the shoulders of most Christians; and one often proceeds from the other.

Most Christian groups that I have spoken with about these topics affirm that they are generally afraid to share the message of their faith because they are afraid that someone will ask them a question to which they don't know the answer.

The truth is, no one knows the answer to every possible question, and it's okay to say, "I don't know, but I'll try to find out." Besides, if Paul had concerns about these two issues, and he wrote much of the New Testament, let's be modest enough to say that it's not dramatically weak to have the same concerns.

Action Point: Let's commit to study God's word so that we will have more to draw from when we are sharing the mystery of the gospel, and let's also commit to pray for each other that God will give us the right words and a measure of courage. Deal?

Do You Recognize this Guy?

This isn't a Vacation Bible School skit. One of the benefits of living in Jerusalem, is that one semi-regularly has the opportunity to see people dressed in what they deem to be biblical clothing.

This particular man is standing at an intersection in downtown. I think I may have embarrassed him by taking his photo. But surely you must expect to have your picture taken if you dress like that?

Tracking Ibex Part 4

Plains of Bethsaida Painted Yellow

Shabbat Shalom

The Galilee is in Bloom

In consideration of the land mine sign, I toyed with the idea of titling this entry "Galilee in Boom," but thought better of that.

Anyway, I recently took this photo while teaching a college group in the Galilee. I stopped here because college students always get excited at seeing a land mine sign.

Now You Are Light: Be Light!

Ephesians 5:8-11 NIV

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

One of the things that was missing from my discipleship as a new believer is found in the verses above: "Live as children of the light . . . find out what pleases the Lord."

I'm afraid that among Baptists there continues to be an erroneous pride in being known for what we are against over and above what we are for. In other words, we often have an unbalanced emphasis on verse 11: "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."

In these verses, Paul surely tells us to be separate from wickedness, but he also gives us balance. Notice the pattern: dark, light, light, dark. His instruction isn't only a message of "don't do"; there is also the positive imperative to "do." Holiness isn't just not doing fruitless deeds of darkness; that's only one side of the coin.

Some might portion these verses out as a measure of theology followed by a dash of the practical.

The theological: First Paul reminds us that we were once darkness, then he contrasts that with what we are after salvation: light in the Lord.
The practical: First Paul tells us to live as children of the light by finding out what pleases the Lord (and by implication) to do that! In contrast, he says that fruitless deeds of darkness are not how we do what pleases the Lord. Stay away from them, and do the other!

People Want to Know . . .

. . . what happens to the prayers, like those in the above photo, that are placed in the seams of Western Wall. Just last week, I was asked this question, and only had a limited answer. I have seen a worker sweeping up the notes that had fallen out of the wall, but I wasn't sure what happens to those that are removed.

Here's the answer: Twice a year, before Passover and Rosh HaShana (Jewish New Year), the prayer notes are carefully removed and taken to the Mt. of Olives for burial. You can read the complete Arutz Sheva story here.

You Can Take the Boy Out of Texas . . .

. . . but you can't take the Texas out of the boy.

I don't know if this guy has even been to Texas, but this
photo near Qumran in the Jordan Rift Valley reminded
me of something Israelis would think looks Texan.